For his Autumn-Winter 2012-13 RTW collection, Jean Paul Gaultier has drawn his inspiration from across the pond, more specifically from downtown New York. With a soundtrack of Nico and Lou Reed from the Velvet Underground era, the Factory years were in the spotlight.

As you would expect from Gaultier, the rebellious streak is clearly evident with references to street culture brought up to date in a decidedly couture feel. On the podium, Venus in Furs were dressed in jersey fleece, sweatshirts and oversized polos updated in a leather dress style, and padded jackets trimmed with fur... What stood out overall was the graffiti patterns (clearly this season's leitmotiv) and, in particular, an allover-weave jacquard, an absolute triumph.

Also inspired by the sculptor César, Jean Paul Gaultier had fun with layering, creating "compressions of clothing, tulle, draped fabrics," as he explained. A variety of fabrics also for the knitwear, as well as colors (plum, bronze, teal blue) all perfectly combined.

There He Goes Again! Faithful to his inspirations, the couturier did not fail to pay homage to his obsessions: the trench re-interpreted in lamé, casually tied at the waist, the oh-so-chic biker jacket turned into a stole and the men's suit... Even in New York, this most Parisian designer is in his element, transforming his heroines into arty, pop-style muses.

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